Systems and methods for creating a dynamic electronic form

ABSTRACT

A system and method for creating a dynamic electronic form are described. The system may include one or more processors that cause the system to perform create an electronic form with one or more data entry fields. The system may also obtain access to a plurality of datasets, where each dataset may include multiple entry fields and integrate at least one identified dataset with the electronic form. The system may further suggest at least one data input in the data entry field based on information input in the data entry field by a user. The data entry input suggested may be sourced from the identified dataset integrated to the electronic form.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to approaches for creating a dynamic electronicform in response to the data captured in the data entry fields.

BACKGROUND

Electronic forms for inputting and collecting data are used to obtaininformation from users. However, conventional electronic forms are oftenstatic and require users to input data based on his or her own knowledgeand memory alone. As such, conventional approaches may limit theaccuracy of the collected data input in the electronic forms.Furthermore, often a single standardized electronic form is used toaccommodate various data intake purposes, which may result in redundantand/or unnecessary questions. As a result, conventional approaches maylead to inefficient data intake processes and/or collection of incorrectinformation.

SUMMARY

Described herein are systems and methods for creating a dynamicelectronic form. In one embodiment, the disclosure describes systems andmethods for creating a dynamic electronic form.

In some embodiments, the system may include one or more processors and amemory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause the system to perform at least create an electronicform with one or more data entry fields. The processors may furtherobtain access to a plurality of datasets, where each dataset includesmultiple entry fields and integrate at least one identified dataset withthe electronic form. The processor may further suggest at least one dataentry input in the data entry field based on information input in thedata entry field by a user, such that the data entry input suggested issourced from the identified dataset integrated to the electronic form.

In further embodiments, the electronic form may create if-then structureto select data entry fields. The if-then structure may cause a change ina hierarchy listing of a plurality of data entry fields in response toat least one data entry input in the data entry fields.

In some instances, the system may further include one or more processorscause the system to perform import at least one data item listed in theentry field of the dataset to the corresponding data entry field.

In other instances, the system may also include one or more processorsto determine a relationship between information input in the data entryfield by a user and the entry fields in the dataset integrated to theelectronic form. By way of example, determining the relationship betweeninformation input in the data entry field by the user and thecorresponding dataset integrated to the electronic form may includeidentifying correlation of information amongst rows and columns in thedataset integrated to the electronic form. Additionally, the one or moreprocessors may cause the system to display the suggested data entryinput in a pull-down window in the data entry field.

In some embodiments, the one or more processors cause the system tonotify incorrect data input by the user in the data entry field when thedata input is not located in the dataset integrated to the electronicform.

Embodiments also include a method for creating a dynamic electronicform. The method may include creating an electronic form with one ormore data entry fields and obtaining access to a plurality of datasets,each dataset including multiple entry fields. The method may furtherinclude integrating at least one identified dataset with the electronicform and suggesting at least one data entry input in the data entryfield based on information input in the data entry field by a user. Thedata entry input suggested may be sourced from the identified datasetintegrated to the electronic form.

In some embodiments, creating an electronic form with one or more dataentry fields includes implementing if-then structure to select dataentry fields. Additionally, if-then structure may cause a change in ahierarchy listing of a plurality of data entry fields in response to atleast one data entry input in the data entry fields.

In some instances, the method may also include importing at least onedata item listed in the entry field of the dataset to the correspondingdata entry field. Furthermore, suggesting at least one data entry inputin the data entry field may include determining a relationship betweeninformation input in the data entry field by a user and thecorresponding dataset integrated to the electronic form. Determining therelationship between information input in the data entry field by theuser and the corresponding dataset integrated to the electronic form mayfurther include identifying correlation of information amongst rows andcolumns in the dataset integrated to the electronic form.

In some instances, the method may include notifying an incorrect datainput by the user in the data entry field when the data input is notlocated in any one of the datasets integrated to the electronic form.Additionally, the method may further include displaying the suggesteddata entry input in a pull-down window in the data entry field.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain features of various embodiments of the present technology areset forth with particularity in the appended claims. A betterunderstanding of the features and advantages of the technology will beobtained by reference to the following detailed description that setsforth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the inventionare utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of an example environment for generating adynamic electronic form in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts a diagram of an example of a dynamic form system inaccordance with various embodiments

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary screen capture of a table of datasets storedin a database in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary screen capture of a dynamic electronic formin accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 5A depicts an exemplary screen capture of a dynamic electronic formin accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 5B depicts an exemplary screen capture of a dynamic electronic formwith changing data entry fields in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example of a method for creating a dynamicelectronic form.

FIG. 7 depicts a block diagram of an example computer system upon whichany of the embodiments described herein may be implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of theinvention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that theinvention may be practiced without these details. Moreover, whilevarious embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein, manyadaptations and modifications may be made within the scope of theinvention in accordance with the common general knowledge of thoseskilled in this art. Such modifications include the substitution ofknown equivalents for any aspect of the invention in order to achievethe same result in substantially the same way.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the presentspecification and claims, the word “comprise” and variations thereof,such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open,inclusive sense, that is as “including, but not limited to.” Recitationof numeric ranges of values throughout the specification is intended toserve as a shorthand notation of referring individually to each separatevalue falling within the range inclusive of the values defining therange, and each separate value is incorporated in the specification asit were individually recited herein. Additionally, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristicdescribed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of thephrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment, but may be in some instances. Furthermore, theparticular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined inany suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

A claimed solution rooted in computer technology overcomes problemsspecifically arising in the realm of computer technology. In variousimplementations, an interface for creating a dynamic electronic form isprovided in response to receiving data entry items provided by a personfilling out the electronic form. The electronic form may change itslayout and subsequent data questionnaire based on the information inputby the person filling out the electronic form. The electronic form mayalso provide suggested answers for the data entry field based on theinformation provided in the data entry field. The dynamic electronicform may be coupled to a database such that the suggested data entryfields are based on the relationship and/or association of the dataprovided in the data entry fields and a dataset in the database.

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of an example environment 100 for generating adynamic electronic form in accordance with various embodiments. As shownin FIG. 1, the example environment 100 can include at least onecomputing system 102 that includes one or more processors 104 and memory106. The memory 106 may be non-transitory and computer-readable. Thememory 106 may store instructions that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors 104, cause the one or more processors 104 to perform variousoperations described herein. The environment 100 may also include acomputing device 110 that is able to communicate with the system 102(e.g., over one or more computer networks) and a data store 108 that isaccessible to the system 102. For example, the data store 108 mayinclude one or more searchable databases, each containing one or moresearchable datasets containing multiple tables, columns, and/or rows ofdata entries.

In some embodiments, the system 102 and the computing device 110 may beintegrated in a single device or system. Alternatively, the system 102and the computing device 110 may be individual computing devices. Forexample, the computing device 110 may be a mobile device and the system102 may be a computing server. The data store 108 may be accessible tothe system 102, for example, through the memory 106, another devicecoupled to the system 102, cloud-based storage, etc. Various operationsthat are capable of being performed by the system 102 are describedbelow in reference to FIGS. 2-5B.

FIG. 2 depicts a diagram 200 of an example of a dynamic electronic formsystem 202 in accordance with various embodiments. In variousembodiments, functionality of the dynamic electronic form system 202 maybe performed by one or more servers, workstations, desktop computers,laptop computers, mobile devices, and/or other computing devices. Insome embodiments, functionality of the dynamic electronic form system202 may be performed by computing system 102. For example, thecomponents of the dynamic electronic form system 202 may include acomputer-readable instructions executable by processors 104. Thecomponents of the dynamic electronic form system 202 may include a formcreation component 204, database search component 206, relationshipcomponent 208, recommendation component 210, and a display component212. As used herein, for convenience, the various components of thedynamic electronic form system 202 will be described as performing anoperation, when, in fact, the various components comprise instructionswhich may program the processors 104 (and therefore computing system102) to perform the operation.

The form creation component 204 may be configured to allow a user tocreate an electronic form. The form creation component 204 may allow theuser to configure the content of the electronic form, such as the typeof information or data to be collected from a person filling out theelectronic form. Thus, the form creation component 204 may include theexact phrases or questions that are to be displayed on the electronicform next to each data entry field that collects the data input.

The form creation component 204 may also allow the user to select theformat of the electronic form and the types of data to be collected. Byway of example, the format of the data collection may include a textbox, drop-down list box, list box, calendar date selection, check box,button, numbered list, etc. The form creation component 204 may alsoallow the data entry fields to collect information or data in any of thefollowing formats: string of characters, combination of letters andnumbers, letters only, numbers only, etc.

The form creation component 204 may also allow the user to design thevisual features of the electronic form and how it is to be displayed onthe user interface. For instance, the form creation component 204 mayallow the user to choose the font style (e.g., font type, font size,font color, bold/underline/italic options, and the like), backgroundcolor, location placement of the data entry fields, placement ofborders, etc.

In further embodiments, the form creation component 204 may furtherconfigure the electronic form to change in response to information ordata provided in select data entry fields. This change in thehierarchical structure or listing of the originally displayed data entryfields may change in response to implementing an “if-then” structure toselect data entry fields. For example, an electronic form may be createdusing the form creation component 204 so that if a user selects orinputs “PAINT DAMAGE” in the data entry field, the next data entry fieldthat appears is a selection of paint choice colors. However, if a userchanges the data input to “BUMPER DAMAGE” instead of “PAINT DAMAGE” inthe data entry field, the subsequent data entry field may be changed sothat the data entry field no longer asks or provides a selection ofpaint choice colors. Instead, the entry field may now request for thevehicle's model and year information. This thus allows for a user tocreate a dynamic electronic form that changes in response to the data orinformation provided in the data entry fields.

In some embodiments, the form creation component 204 may be integratedwith the data store 108, which may include one or more searchabledatabases, each containing one or more searchable datasets. In variousimplementations, database search component 206 may be configured tosearch across one or more databases to search for dataset entries in thedata store 108. This may then allow the electronic forms to importselect data from the data store 108.

In further embodiments, the form creation component 204 may integrateselect datasets from the data store 108 to a specified electronic form.In some instances, the select datasets from the data store 108 may evenbe integrated to specific data entry fields. Thus, any input data in theselect data entry fields that do not correspond to any of the specifieddatasets from the data store 108 may be identified as an incorrect datainput by the database search component 206.

Additionally, the dynamic electronic form system 202 may further beconfigured to suggest one or more data input in the data entry field.The relationship component 208 may attempt to provide the person fillingout the electronic form with the correct data input entry. In an attemptto provide the correct data input entry, the relationship component 208may be configured to search across one or more databases to identify alldataset entries that contain a relationship or correlation with thecorresponding data input entry.

This may be achieved with the use of the relationship component 208,which may be configured to determine a strength in correlation with theinformation or data provided in the data entry field and whether itshares any similar properties, describes the same subject, and/or areotherwise related to any datasets in the data store 108. Therelationship component 208 may be configured to predict associationsbetween the information or data provided in the data entry field withany one or more data entries in the datasets and/or databases.

The relationship component 208 may calculate a hash value of data in thedatasets in the data store 108. In other instances, the relationshipcomponent 208 may narrow the calculation of the hash value of thedatasets in the data store 108 associated with select data entry fields.Relationship measures may be based on encrypted and/or encoded values ofdata in a dataset. In such embodiments, the relationship component 208may be configured to calculate encrypted and/or encoded valuescorresponding to data in a dataset with specific data entry fields tothen provide suggested data entries or answers to that data entry field.

In the instance that the relationship component 208 determines one ormore data entries form the datasets in the data store 108 as potentialchoices for the data entry field, the results for the potential dataentry inputs be recommended to the user or person. The recommendationcomponent 210 may then display the results generated from therelationship component 210.

Display component 212 may be configured to generate a visualrepresentation of the dynamic electronic form onto a computing device110. The display component 212 may also be configured to provide visualindicators such as icons, menus, pull-down windows, buttons, text boxes,selection areas, and/or any relevant graphical user interface elements.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary table 300 of datasets stored in a databasein accordance with various embodiments. By way of example, the table 300may include one or more rows 310 with one or more columns 305. It shouldbe noted that there can be any number of rows 310 n as well as anynumber of columns 305 n in each of the tables 300 or datasets stored inthe data store 108. As a result, each of the datasets may includemultiple entry fields.

A row 310 may include data with one or more columns 305 n. Each column305 n may correspond to a property defined by that dataset. For example,each column may correspond to a property or category of the informationstored, such as ID, name, location, and classification information.Furthermore, the database search component 206 may be configured todetermine that the correlation of information between the rows 310 n andcolumns 305 n. For example, search component 206 may be configured todetermine that for row 100, part number 100 is identified with the partname PW34, which is produced in a factory in California. Additionally,the search component 206 may further be configured to determine that forpart name PW34, the corresponding replacement part is XP4 and that partname PW34 is used in building chairs, tables, and beds. The relationshipcomponent 208 may then be able to associate the correlation ofinformation of the rows 310 n and columns 305 n with a select data entryfield.

In various implementations, select datasets such as one or more tables300 may be integrated to an electronic form created by the form creationcomponent. As a result, the electronic form may be able to extract datafrom the integrated datasets from the data store 108.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary dynamic electronic form 400 in accordancewith various embodiments. Here, the dynamic electronic form includesmultiple data entry fields 405 for the user or customer to input thenecessary requested information. By way of example, some of the dataentry fields 405 may request a text string of one or more letters,numbers, words, and/or other input, such as a selection button to inputthe data or information.

In some embodiments, the dynamic electronic form 400 may be able tocapture and identify the user's input into the data entry field. Forexample, FIG. 4 depicts a string of words that a user has begun to inputinto one of the data entry fields 405. Here, one of the data entryfields 405 is requesting the name of a particular part. In the instancethat the user does not know the part name, the user may type otherinformation that is associated with the part name that is provided andidentified in the data store 108.

By referring back to FIG. 3, the table 300 associated with partsinformation shows that a part name “PW34” is sourced from a factorylocated in “CALIFORNIA” with its replacement part “XP4.” Specific tables300 and or select datasets from the data store 108 may be integratedwith select dynamic electronic forms 400. The relationship component 208may be configured to determine that the correlation of information ofthe rows 310 n and columns 305 n with specific data entry fields.

Thus referring back to FIG. 4, when a user inputs the “PART NAME”information in the data entry field requesting for the part name, thedatabase search component 206 may be able to recognize that the providedinformation “CALIFORNIA” does not match any of the identified part namesprovided in the data store 108 as reflected in the table in FIG. 3.However, the relationship component 208 may determine and recognize thatthe user has input the location of the factory producing the providedpart name, which is found in table 300. Thus, the relationship component208 may be configured to search across one or more databases or thosethat have been integrated with the electronic form in order to identifyall dataset entries that contain a relationship or correlation with theinformation provided in the data input entry. The relationship component208 may determine a strength in correlation with the information or dataprovided in the data entry field and whether it shares any similarproperties, describes the same subject, and/or are otherwise related toany datasets in the data store 108. Thus, in this particular example,the recommendation component 210 may recommend part names in a pull downwindow 410 of the various part names associated with those parts sourcedin the California based factory. The user may then select the suggestedpart names provided in the pull down window 410.

FIG. 5A depicts an exemplary dynamic electronic form 500 in accordancewith various embodiments. In some embodiments, the dynamic electronicform 500 may provide the user with one or more selections for each ofthe data entry fields 505. In this particular example, the data entryfield 505 requesting for “PRIMARY ITEM” information includes a pull downwindow 510 with a few options for selection. Here, there are twoselection choices based on the data already provided in the prior dataentry fields: a chair and a table. By way of example, the relationshipcomponent 208 may determine that the correlation of information suchthat when part name “PW34” is selected with a problem of “SUPPLY ISSUE,”the primary items are limited to a “CHAIR” and “TABLE” based on theprovided datasets integrated with the dynamic electronic form 500. Assuch, the relationship component 208 may be able to review the relateddata in the data store 108 and identify select data entries in the dataentry fields 505. The recommendation component 210 may then beimplemented to display the related data on the dynamic electronic form500, such as in a pull down window 510.

FIG. 5B depicts an exemplary dynamic electronic form 500 that changes insubsequent data entry fields in response to information provided orselected in the data entry fields 505 above. By referring back to FIG.5A, when the user selects “CHAIR” from the pull down window 510associated with the request for inputting “PRIMARY ITEM” information,this may result in the dynamic electronic form 500 changes. For example,the dynamic electronic form 500 may change such that any subsequent dataentry fields 515 after “PRIMARY ITEM” has changed. Indeed, the formcreation component 204 may be configured to implement “if-then” dataentry fields so that if a certain value or data is input in one dataentry field, then subsequent data entry fields are changed. Thus, theelectronic forms are dynamic and responsive to the value or data inputinto the data entry fields.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example of a method 600 for creating anelectronic form. The method 600 may include step 605, where anelectronic form may be created to include one or more data entry fields.Thus, a user may create any electronic form requesting to obtain anysort of information from users and customers. Thus, the user may selectthe types of questions or information to be requested from the users orpersons to be filling out the form. The user may select the exactphrases or questions that are to be displayed on the electronic formnext to each data entry field that collects the data input.Additionally, the user to design the visual features of the electronicform and how it is to be displayed on the user interface. For instance,the form creation component 204 may allow the user to choose the fontstyle (e.g., font type, font size, font color, bold/underline/italicoptions, and the like), background color, location placement of the dataentry fields, placement of borders, etc.

Additionally, the electronic form may be configured to create one ormore dynamic forms such that the electronic form changes its unanswereddata entry fields based on the user's data input in prior data entryfields. This may be achieved by implementing “if-then” data entry fieldsso that if a certain value or data is input in one data entry field,then subsequent data entry fields are changed. Thus, the electronicforms are dynamic and responsive to the value or data input into thedata entry fields. The electronic form system may be performed by one ormore servers, workstations, desktop computers, laptop computers, mobiledevices, and/or other computing devices.

Next at step 610, the created electronic form from the dynamicelectronic form system 200 may obtains access to one or more datasetslocated in the data store 108. Each of the datasets may include multipledata entry fields. More specifically, in some instances, at step 615,select or specific datasets may be integrated to the electronic form.Furthermore, select or specific datasets may be integrated to specificdata entry fields of the electronic form. By doing so, this may enablethe electronic forms to import select data from the integrated datasetsutilizing the database search component.

Next, at step 620, the dynamic electronic form system 200 may beconfigured to suggest at least one data entry input in the data entryfield based on the information provided in the prior or current dataentry field. The relationship component 208, which may be configured todetermine a strength in correlation with the information or dataprovided in the data entry field and whether it shares any similarproperties, describes the same subject, and/or are otherwise related toany datasets in the data store 108. The relationship component 208 maybe configured to predict associations between the information or dataprovided in the data entry field with any one or more data entries inthe datasets and/or databases.

FIG. 7 depicts a block diagram of an example of a computer system uponwhich any of the embodiments described herein may be implemented. Asused herein, a component might be implemented utilizing any form ofhardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or moreprocessors, controllers, ASICs, PLAs, PALs, CPLDs, FPGAs, logicalcomponents, software routines or other mechanisms might be implementedto make up a component. Various components described herein may beimplemented as discrete components or described functions and featurescan be shared in part or in total among one or more components. In otherwords, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this description, the various features and functionalitydescribed herein may be implemented in any given application. They canbe implemented in one or more separate or shared components in variouscombinations and permutations. Although various features or functionalelements may be individually described or claimed as separatecomponents, it should be understood that these features/functionalitycan be shared among one or more common software and hardware elements.Such a description shall not require or imply that separate hardware orsoftware components are used to implement such features orfunctionality.

In the instance that the relationship component 208 determines one ormore data entries form the datasets in the data store 108 as potentialchoices for the data entry field, the results for the potential dataentry inputs be recommended to the user or person. The recommendationcomponent 210 may then display the results generated from therelationship component 210 onto the electronic form in the appropriatedata entry field.

Where components are implemented in whole or in part using software,these software elements can be implemented to operate with a computingor processing component capable of carrying out the functionalitydescribed with respect thereto. One such example computing component isshown in FIG. 7. Various embodiments are described in terms of thisexample-computing component 700. After reading this description, it willbecome apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art how to implementthe application using other computing components or architectures.

Hardware Implementation

The techniques described herein are implemented by one or morespecial-purpose computing devices. The special-purpose computing devicesmay be hard-wired to perform the techniques, or may include circuitry ordigital electronic devices such as one or more application-specificintegrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)that are persistently programmed to perform the techniques, or mayinclude one or more hardware processors programmed to perform thetechniques pursuant to program instructions in firmware, memory, otherstorage, or a combination. Such special-purpose computing devices mayalso combine custom hard-wired logic, ASICs, or FPGAs with customprogramming to accomplish the techniques. The special-purpose computingdevices may be desktop computer systems, server computer systems,portable computer systems, handheld devices, networking devices or anyother device or combination of devices that incorporate hard-wiredand/or program logic to implement the techniques.

Computing device(s) are generally controlled and coordinated byoperating system software, such as iOS, Android, Chrome OS, Windows XP,Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Server, Windows CE, Unix,Linux, SunOS, Solaris, iOS, Blackberry OS, VxWorks, or other compatibleoperating systems. In other embodiments, the computing device may becontrolled by a proprietary operating system. Conventional operatingsystems control and schedule computer processes for execution, performmemory management, provide file system, networking, I/O services, andprovide a user interface functionality, such as a graphical userinterface (“GUI”), among other things.

The computer system 700 includes a bus 702 or other communicationmechanism for communicating information, one or more hardware processors704 coupled with bus 702 for processing information. Hardwareprocessor(s) 704 may be, for example, one or more general purposemicroprocessors.

The computer system 700 also includes a main memory 706, such as arandom access memory (RAM), cache and/or other dynamic storage devices,coupled to bus 702 for storing information and instructions to beexecuted by processor 704. Main memory 706 also may be used for storingtemporary variables or other intermediate information during executionof instructions to be executed by processor 704. Such instructions, whenstored in storage media accessible to processor 704, render computersystem 700 into a special-purpose machine that is customized to performthe operations specified in the instructions.

The computer system 700 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 708 orother static storage device coupled to bus 702 for storing staticinformation and instructions for processor 704. A storage device 710,such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or USB thumb drive (Flash drive),etc., is provided and coupled to bus 702 for storing information andinstructions.

The computer system 700 may be coupled via bus 702 to a display 712,such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or LCD display (or touch screen), fordisplaying information to a computer user. An input device 714,including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to bus 602 forcommunicating information and command selections to processor 704.Another type of user input device is cursor control 716, such as amouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating directioninformation and command selections to processor 704 and for controllingcursor movement on display 712. This input device typically has twodegrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis(e.g., y), that allows the device to specify positions in a plane. Insome embodiments, the same direction information and command selectionsas cursor control may be implemented via receiving touches on a touchscreen without a cursor.

The computing system 700 may include a user interface module toimplement a GUI that may be stored in a mass storage device asexecutable software codes that are executed by the computing device(s).This and other modules may include, by way of example, components, suchas software components, object-oriented software components, classcomponents and task components, processes, functions, attributes,procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware,microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays,and variables.

In general, the word “module,” as used herein, refers to logic embodiedin hardware or firmware, or to a collection of software instructions,possibly having entry and exit points, written in a programminglanguage, such as, for example, Java, C or C++. A software module may becompiled and linked into an executable program, installed in a dynamiclink library, or may be written in an interpreted programming languagesuch as, for example, BASIC, Perl, or Python. It will be appreciatedthat software modules may be callable from other modules or fromthemselves, and/or may be invoked in response to detected events orinterrupts. Software modules configured for execution on computingdevices may be provided on a computer readable medium, such as a compactdisc, digital video disc, flash drive, magnetic disc, or any othertangible medium, or as a digital download (and may be originally storedin a compressed or installable format that requires installation,decompression or decryption prior to execution). Such software code maybe stored, partially or fully, on a memory device of the executingcomputing device, for execution by the computing device. Softwareinstructions may be embedded in firmware, such as an EPROM. It will befurther appreciated that hardware modules may be comprised of connectedlogic units, such as gates and flip-flops, and/or may be comprised ofprogrammable units, such as programmable gate arrays or processors. Themodules or computing device functionality described herein arepreferably implemented as software modules, but may be represented inhardware or firmware. Generally, the modules described herein refer tological modules that may be combined with other modules or divided intosub-modules despite their physical organization or storage.

The computer system 700 may implement the techniques described hereinusing customized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmwareand/or program logic which in combination with the computer systemcauses or programs computer system 700 to be a special-purpose machine.According to one embodiment, the techniques herein are performed bycomputer system 700 in response to processor(s) 704 executing one ormore sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory 706.Such instructions may be read into main memory 706 from another storagemedium, such as storage device 710. Execution of the sequences ofinstructions contained in main memory 706 causes processor(s) 704 toperform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments,hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination withsoftware instructions.

The term “non-transitory media,” and similar terms, as used hereinrefers to any media that store data and/or instructions that cause amachine to operate in a specific fashion. Such non-transitory media maycomprise non-volatile media and/or volatile media. Non-volatile mediaincludes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device710. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory 706.Common forms of non-transitory media include, for example, a floppydisk, a flexible disk, hard disk, solid state drive, magnetic tape, orany other magnetic data storage medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical datastorage medium, any physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, aPROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, NVRAM, any other memory chip orcartridge, and networked versions of the same.

Non-transitory media is distinct from but may be used in conjunctionwith transmission media. Transmission media participates in transferringinformation between non-transitory media. For example, transmissionmedia includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, includingthe wires that comprise bus 702. Transmission media can also take theform of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated duringradio-wave and infra-red data communications.

Various forms of media may be involved in carrying one or more sequencesof one or more instructions to processor 704 for execution. For example,the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk or solidstate drive of a remote computer. The remote computer can load theinstructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over atelephone line using a modem. A modem local to computer system 700 canreceive the data on the telephone line and use an infra-red transmitterto convert the data to an infra-red signal. An infra-red detector canreceive the data carried in the infra-red signal and appropriatecircuitry can place the data on bus 702. Bus 702 carries the data tomain memory 706, from which processor 704 retrieves and executes theinstructions. The instructions received by main memory 706 may retrievesand executes the instructions. The instructions received by main memory706 may optionally be stored on storage device 710 either before orafter execution by processor 704.

The computer system 700 also includes a communication interface 718coupled to bus 702. Communication interface 718 provides a two-way datacommunication coupling to one or more network links that are connectedto one or more local networks. For example, communication interface 718may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem,satellite modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connectionto a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example,communication interface 718 may be a local area network (LAN) card toprovide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN (or WANcomponent to communicated with a WAN). Wireless links may also beimplemented. In any such implementation, communication interface 718sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals thatcarry digital data streams representing various types of information.

A network link typically provides data communication through one or morenetworks to other data devices. For example, a network link may providea connection through local network to a host computer or to dataequipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The ISP inturn provides data communication services through the world wide packetdata communication network now commonly referred to as the “Internet”.Local network and Internet both use electrical, electromagnetic oroptical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through thevarious networks and the signals on network link and throughcommunication interface 718, which carry the digital data to and fromcomputer system 700, are example forms of transmission media.

The computer system 700 can send messages and receive data, includingprogram code, through the network(s), network link and communicationinterface 718. In the Internet example, a server might transmit arequested code for an application program through the Internet, the ISP,the local network and the communication interface 718.

The received code may be executed by processor 704 as it is received,and/or stored in storage device 710, or other non-volatile storage forlater execution.

Each of the processes, methods, and algorithms described in thepreceding sections may be embodied in, and fully or partially automatedby, code modules executed by one or more computer systems or computerprocessors comprising computer hardware. The processes and algorithmsmay be implemented partially or wholly in application-specificcircuitry.

The various features and processes described above may be usedindependently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. Allpossible combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall withinthe scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain method or processblocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods and processesdescribed herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, andthe blocks or states relating thereto can be performed in othersequences that are appropriate. For example, described blocks or statesmay be performed in an order other than that specifically disclosed, ormultiple blocks or states may be combined in a single block or state.The example blocks or states may be performed in serial, in parallel, orin some other manner. Blocks or states may be added to or removed fromthe disclosed example embodiments. The example systems and componentsdescribed herein may be configured differently than described. Forexample, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged comparedto the disclosed example embodiments.

Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or“may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understoodwithin the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without userinput or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps areincluded or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Any process descriptions, elements, or blocks in the flow diagramsdescribed herein and/or depicted in the attached figures should beunderstood as potentially representing modules, segments, or portions ofcode which include one or more executable instructions for implementingspecific logical functions or steps in the process. Alternateimplementations are included within the scope of the embodimentsdescribed herein in which elements or functions may be deleted, executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may bemade to the above-described embodiments, the elements of which are to beunderstood as being among other acceptable examples. All suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included herein withinthe scope of this disclosure. The foregoing description details certainembodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that nomatter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the invention can bepracticed in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted thatthe use of particular terminology when describing certain features oraspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that theterminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including anyspecific characteristics of the features or aspects of the inventionwith which that terminology is associated. The scope of the inventionshould therefore be construed in accordance with the appended claims andany equivalents thereof.

Engines, Components, and Logic

Certain embodiments are described herein as including logic or a numberof components, engines, or mechanisms. Engines may constitute eithersoftware engines (e.g., code embodied on a machine-readable medium) orhardware engines. A “hardware engine” is a tangible unit capable ofperforming certain operations and may be configured or arranged in acertain physical manner. In various example embodiments, one or morecomputer systems (e.g., a standalone computer system, a client computersystem, or a server computer system) or one or more hardware engines ofa computer system (e.g., a processor or a group of processors) may beconfigured by software (e.g., an application or application portion) asa hardware engine that operates to perform certain operations asdescribed herein.

In some embodiments, a hardware engine may be implemented mechanically,electronically, or any suitable combination thereof. For example, ahardware engine may include dedicated circuitry or logic that ispermanently configured to perform certain operations. For example, ahardware engine may be a special-purpose processor, such as aField-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or an Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC). A hardware engine may also includeprogrammable logic or circuitry that is temporarily configured bysoftware to perform certain operations. For example, a hardware enginemay include software executed by a general-purpose processor or otherprogrammable processor. Once configured by such software, hardwareengines become specific machines (or specific components of a machine)uniquely tailored to perform the configured functions and are no longergeneral-purpose processors. It will be appreciated that the decision toimplement a hardware engine mechanically, in dedicated and permanentlyconfigured circuitry, or in temporarily configured circuitry (e.g.,configured by software) may be driven by cost and time considerations.

Accordingly, the phrase “hardware engine” should be understood toencompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that is physicallyconstructed, permanently configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarilyconfigured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a certain manner or toperform certain operations described herein. As used herein,“hardware-implemented engine” refers to a hardware engine. Consideringembodiments in which hardware engines are temporarily configured (e.g.,programmed), each of the hardware engines need not be configured orinstantiated at any one instance in time. For example, where a hardwareengine comprises a general-purpose processor configured by software tobecome a special-purpose processor, the general-purpose processor may beconfigured as respectively different special-purpose processors (e.g.,comprising different hardware engines) at different times. Softwareaccordingly configures a particular processor or processors, forexample, to constitute a particular hardware engine at one instance oftime and to constitute a different hardware engine at a differentinstance of time.

Hardware engines can provide information to, and receive informationfrom, other hardware engines. Accordingly, the described hardwareengines may be regarded as being communicatively coupled. Where multiplehardware engines exist contemporaneously, communications may be achievedthrough signal transmission (e.g., over appropriate circuits and buses)between or among two or more of the hardware engines. In embodiments inwhich multiple hardware engines are configured or instantiated atdifferent times, communications between such hardware engines may beachieved, for example, through the storage and retrieval of informationin memory structures to which the multiple hardware engines have access.For example, one hardware engine may perform an operation and store theoutput of that operation in a memory device to which it iscommunicatively coupled. A further hardware engine may then, at a latertime, access the memory device to retrieve and process the storedoutput. Hardware engines may also initiate communications with input oroutput devices, and can operate on a resource (e.g., a collection ofinformation).

The various operations of example methods described herein may beperformed, at least partially, by one or more processors that aretemporarily configured (e.g., by software) or permanently configured toperform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily or permanentlyconfigured, such processors may constitute processor-implemented enginesthat operate to perform one or more operations or functions describedherein. As used herein, “processor-implemented engine” refers to ahardware engine implemented using one or more processors.

Similarly, the methods described herein may be at least partiallyprocessor-implemented, with a particular processor or processors beingan example of hardware. For example, at least some of the operations ofa method may be performed by one or more processors orprocessor-implemented engines. Moreover, the one or more processors mayalso operate to support performance of the relevant operations in a“cloud computing” environment or as a “software as a service” (SaaS).For example, at least some of the operations may be performed by a groupof computers (as examples of machines including processors), with theseoperations being accessible via a network (e.g., the Internet) and viaone or more appropriate interfaces (e.g., an Application ProgramInterface (API)).

The performance of certain of the operations may be distributed amongthe processors, not only residing within a single machine, but deployedacross a number of machines. In some example embodiments, the processorsor processor-implemented engines may be located in a single geographiclocation (e.g., within a home environment, an office environment, or aserver farm). In other example embodiments, the processors orprocessor-implemented engines may be distributed across a number ofgeographic locations.

Language

Throughout this specification, plural instances may implementcomponents, operations, or structures described as a single instance.Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustratedand described as separate operations, one or more of the individualoperations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that theoperations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures andfunctionality presented as separate components in example configurationsmay be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly,structures and functionality presented as a single component may beimplemented as separate components. These and other variations,modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of thesubject matter herein.

Although an overview of the subject matter has been described withreference to specific example embodiments, various modifications andchanges may be made to these embodiments without departing from thebroader scope of embodiments of the present disclosure. Such embodimentsof the subject matter may be referred to herein, individually orcollectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and withoutintending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to anysingle disclosure or concept if more than one is, in fact, disclosed.

The embodiments illustrated herein are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed.Other embodiments may be used and derived therefrom, such thatstructural and logical substitutions and changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure. The Detailed Description,therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope ofvarious embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along withthe full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

It will be appreciated that an “engine,” “system,” “data store,” and/or“database” may comprise software, hardware, firmware, and/or circuitry.In one example, one or more software programs comprising instructionscapable of being executable by a processor may perform one or more ofthe functions of the engines, data stores, databases, or systemsdescribed herein. In another example, circuitry may perform the same orsimilar functions. Alternative embodiments may comprise more, less, orfunctionally equivalent engines, systems, data stores, or databases, andstill be within the scope of present embodiments. For example, thefunctionality of the various systems, engines, data stores, and/ordatabases may be combined or divided differently.

“Open source” software is defined herein to be source code that allowsdistribution as source code as well as compiled form, with awell-publicized and indexed means of obtaining the source, optionallywith a license that allows modifications and derived works.

The data stores described herein may be any suitable structure (e.g., anactive database, a relational database, a self-referential database, atable, a matrix, an array, a flat file, a documented-oriented storagesystem, a non-relational No-SQL system, and the like), and may becloud-based or otherwise.

As used herein, the term “or” may be construed in either an inclusive orexclusive sense. Moreover, plural instances may be provided forresources, operations, or structures described herein as a singleinstance. Additionally, boundaries between various resources,operations, engines, engines, and data stores are somewhat arbitrary,and particular operations are illustrated in a context of specificillustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality areenvisioned and may fall within a scope of various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. In general, structures and functionality presentedas separate resources in the example configurations may be implementedas a combined structure or resource. Similarly, structures andfunctionality presented as a single resource may be implemented asseparate resources. These and other variations, modifications,additions, and improvements fall within a scope of embodiments of thepresent disclosure as represented by the appended claims. Thespecification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or“may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understoodwithin the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without userinput or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps areincluded or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose ofillustration based on what is currently considered to be the mostpractical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood thatsuch detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, isintended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that arewithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it isto be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to theextent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combinedwith one or more features of any other embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dynamic electronic form system comprising: oneor more processors; and memory storing instructions that, when executedby the one or more processors, cause the system to perform: creating anelectronic form with a plurality of dynamic data entry fields; obtainingaccess to a plurality of datasets, each dataset including multiple entryfields; integrating at least one identified dataset with the electronicform; and suggesting at least one data entry input in a particulardynamic data entry field of the plurality of dynamic data entry fieldsbased on information input in another dynamic data entry field of theplurality of dynamic data entry fields by a user, the suggestingcomprising: determining a relationship between information input in theanother dynamic data entry field by the user and the entry fields in thedataset integrated to the electronic form, the determining therelationship between information input in the another dynamic data entryfield by the user and the corresponding dataset integrated to theelectronic form comprising identifying correlation of information amongrows and columns in the dataset integrated to the electronic form;associating the correlation of information with the particular dynamicdata entry field; wherein the at least one data entry input suggested issourced from the identified dataset integrated to the electronic form.2. The dynamic electronic form system of claim 1, wherein the electronicform is created implementing if-then structure to select dynamic dataentry fields.
 3. The dynamic electronic form system of claim 2, whereinthe if-then structure causes a change in a hierarchy listing of aplurality of dynamic data entry fields in response to at least one dataentry input in the dynamic data entry fields.
 4. The dynamic electronicform system of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors cause thesystem to perform import at least one data item listed in the entryfield of the dataset to the corresponding dynamic data entry field. 5.The dynamic electronic form system of claim 1, wherein the one or moreprocessors cause the system to notify incorrect data input by the userin the particular dynamic data entry field when the data input is notlocated in the dataset integrated to the electronic form.
 6. The dynamicelectronic form system of claim 1, wherein the one or more processorscause the system to display the suggested data entry input in apull-down window in the particular dynamic data entry field.
 7. A methodfor creating a dynamic electronic form, comprising: creating anelectronic form with a plurality of dynamic data entry fields; obtainingaccess to a plurality of datasets, each dataset including multiple entryfields; integrating at least one identified dataset with the electronicform; and suggesting at least one data entry input in a particulardynamic data entry field of the plurality of dynamic data entry fieldsbased on information input in another dynamic data entry field of theplurality of dynamic data entry fields by a user, the suggestingcomprising: determining a relationship between information input in theanother dynamic data entry field by the user and the entry fields in thedataset integrated to the electronic form, the determining therelationship between information input in the another dynamic data entryfield by the user and the corresponding dataset integrated to theelectronic form comprising identifying correlation of information amongrows and columns in the dataset integrated to the electronic form;associating the correlation of information with the particular dynamicdata entry field; wherein the at least one data entry input suggested issourced from the identified dataset integrated to the electronic form.8. The method of claim 7, wherein creating an electronic form with oneor more data entry fields comprises implementing if-then structure toselect dynamic data entry fields.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein theif-then structure causes a change in a hierarchy listing of a pluralityof dynamic data entry fields in response to at least one data entryinput in the dynamic data entry fields.
 10. The method of claim 9,further comprising importing at least one data item listed in the entryfield of the dataset to the corresponding dynamic data entry field. 11.The method of claim 7, further comprising notifying an incorrect datainput by the user in the particular dynamic data entry field when thedata input is not located in any one of the datasets integrated to theelectronic form.
 12. The method of claim 7, further comprisingdisplaying the suggested data entry input in a pull-down window in theparticular dynamic data entry field.
 13. A non-transitorycomputer-readable memory storing instructions that, when executed by oneor more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform:creating an electronic form with a plurality of dynamic data entryfields; obtaining access to a plurality of datasets, each datasetincluding multiple entry fields; integrating at least one identifieddataset with the electronic form; and suggesting at least one data entryinput in a particular dynamic data entry field of the plurality ofdynamic data entry fields based on information input in another dynamicdata entry field of the plurality of dynamic data entry fields by auser, the suggesting comprising: determining a relationship betweeninformation input in the another dynamic data entry field by the userand the entry fields in the dataset integrated to the electronic form,the determining the relationship between information input in theanother dynamic data entry field by the user and the correspondingdataset integrated to the electronic form comprising identifyingcorrelation of information among rows and columns in the datasetintegrated to the electronic form; associating the correlation ofinformation with the particular dynamic data entry field; wherein the atleast one data entry input suggested is sourced from the identifieddataset integrated to the electronic form.
 14. The non-transitorycomputer-readable memory of claim 13, wherein the instructions furthercause the system to perform creating an electronic form with one or moredata entry fields comprises implementing if-then structure to selectdynamic data entry fields.
 15. The non-transitory computer-readablememory of claim 14, wherein the if-then structure causes a change in ahierarchy listing of a plurality of data entry fields in response to atleast one data entry input in the dynamic data entry fields.
 16. Thenon-transitory computer-readable memory of claim 15, wherein theinstructions further cause the system to perform importing at least onedata item listed in the entry field of the dataset to the correspondingdynamic data entry field.